Who is Lini? MAID The cook, Mr. Alfred. YOUNG MAN Well, then ask Lini for it. MAID Yes, but it’s Lini’s day out. YOUNG MAN So… MAID Can I get anything for you from the café, Sir? YOUNG MAN Thank you, no… It is hot enough as it is. I don’t need any cognac. Listen, Marie, bring me a glass of water. Wait, Marie,—let it run, till it gets quite cold. _Exit MAID. The YOUNG MAN gazes after her. At the door the MAID looks back at him, and the YOUNG MAN glances into the air. The MAID turns on the water and lets it run. Meanwhile, she goes into her room, washes her hands, and arranges her curls before the mirror. Then she brings the glass of water to the YOUNG MAN. She approaches the couch. The YOUNG MAN raises himself upon his elbow. The MAID gives him the glass of water and their fingers touch._ YOUNG MAN Thank you—Well, what is the matter?—Be careful. Put the glass back on the tray. (_He leans back, and stretches himself_) How late is it? MAID Five o’clock, Sir. YOUNG MAN Ah, five o’clock.—That’s fine.— MAID (_Goes. At the door she turns around. The YOUNG MAN has followed her with his eyes; she notices it, and smiles_) YOUNG MAN (_Remains stretched out awhile; then, suddenly, he gets up. He walks to the door, back again, and lies down on the couch. He again tries to read. After a few moments, he rings once more._) MAID (_Appears with a smile which she does not try to hide_) YOUNG MAN Listen, Marie, there was something I wanted to ask you. Didn’t Dr. Schueller call this morning? MAID No, Sir, nobody called this morning. YOUNG MAN That is strange. Then, Dr. Schueller didn’t call. Do you know Dr. Schueller by sight? MAID Of course, I do. He’s the big gentleman with the black beard. YOUNG MAN Yes. Then, perhaps, he called after all? MAID No, Sir. Nobody called. YOUNG MAN (_Resolutely_) Come here, Marie. MAID (_Coming a little nearer_) Yes, Sir. YOUNG MAN Still nearer … so … ah … I only thought… MAID Do you want anything, Sir? YOUNG MAN I thought… Well, I thought—only about your blouse … what kind of a blouse is it … can’t you come closer. I won’t bite you. MAID (_Comes close to him_) What is the matter with my blouse? Don’t you like it, Sir? YOUNG MAN (_Takes hold of her blouse, and draws her down to him_) Blue? It is a nice blue. (_Simply_) You are very prettily dressed, Marie. MAID But, Sir… YOUNG MAN Ah… What is the matter?… (_He has opened her blouse. In a matter of fact tone_) You have a beautiful white skin, Marie. MAID You are flattering me, Sir. YOUNG MAN (_Kissing her on the breast_) That can’t hurt you. MAID Oh, no. YOUNG MAN But you sigh so. Why are you sighing? MAID Oh, Mr. Alfred… YOUNG MAN And what charming little slippers you have… MAID … But … Sir … if the doorbell should ring.— YOUNG MAN Who will ring now? MAID But, Sir … look … it is so light… YOUNG MAN